I have been interested in minerals and the earth sciences ever since I can remember. Growing up on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan, I had access to some of the best mineral collecting and mining history in the world. When it came time to decide what I wanted to do with my life, it was a pretty easy decision! I attended the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and Michigan Technological University, earning graduate degrees in Geology with minors in both history and mining. After college, I worked as an air, water, and mining consultant in Las Vegas, Nevada until the weirdness of “Sin City” caught up and I moved to Southeast Texas. I next spent twelve years as a criminal investigator in environmental crimes for the State of Texas, a job that I enjoyed, but after a while it was time for a change. Currently, I am a professor of geology/technical writing tutor/curator of geologic specimens at a community college. In addition, I am also a contributing author and a photographer for a major college textbook publishing company which has taken me all over the world obtaining geologic photographs for their books. My most recent book, Michigan Rocks! A Guide to Geologic Sites in the Great Lakes State, was published in 2023 and recently won a state/national award for its writing and photographs.

While I’m currently far away from any “good” mineral collecting, I’m an avid collector of specimens and still do some geologic research on occasion. I am very active with the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC), and the Institute on Lake Superior Geology, as well as a member of the Russell Society and the British Micromount Society. I am also a lifetime member of the Quincy Mine Hoist Association in Hancock, Michigan, a member of the Copper Country Rock & Mineral Club in Houghton, Michigan, a member and former President of the Houston Gem & Mineral Society, and a charter member and honorary life member of the Mikenauk Rock & Gem Club in Roscommon, Michigan.

I still enjoy collecting in and visiting the Great Lakes Region of North America and specifically, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If anyone has any questions regarding this beautiful corner of the world, please contact me.

Below is just a sampling of some of the fine minerals Upper Michigan has to offer: